Researchers have successfully revived pig kidneys that were frozen to -150°C for more than a year. The kidneys, which closely resemble human organs in size, were preserved in a glass-like state. After thawing, they were connected to lab machines and then transplanted into pigs. Upon warming, the organs regained their color and began producing urine, key signs that their function had been restored.
The results mark a big milestone in cryopreservation, though the team has not yet established whether the approach could work for humans.
Meanwhile, the nuclear power sector is intensifying efforts to extract additional capacity from existing reactors amid rising global electricity demand. In the United States, Constellation, the nation’s largest nuclear operator, has announced plans to increase output by nearly 1 gigawatt across 11 reactors at six facilities. This initiative follows a $4.2 billion loan from the Department of Energy to Vistra for upgrades at three other plants.
Read Also: Kids evade social media age restrictions easily
The goal is to provide a reliable source of clean energy, particularly for data centers and other high-power industries. Operators are under pressure to increase production as coal and gas plants retire and renewable energy faces reliability challenges.
Regulatory approval poses another obstacle. Nuclear plants operate under stringent safety standards, and any attempt to exceed original design specifications requires rigorous oversight. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has traditionally been cautious about extending reactor lifespans, though recent policy changes under the Biden administration have encouraged operators to pursue such expansions.
Beyond technical and regulatory challenges, the industry must address public perception. Despite its role as a climate solution, nuclear power faces opposition from local communities and environmental groups, which can derail projects. For instance, plans to extend the operating life of the Diablo Canyon plant in California encountered strong resistance before receiving approval in 2022.